According to a statement by Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media to the Governor, Obasanjo highlighted the critical importance of food security to national development, lauding Governor Bago’s efforts in this regard. The former President drew a parallel between Bago’s initiatives and his own “Operation Feed the Nation” policy from 1976, noting that food sufficiency is vital for the peace and stability of any nation.
Obasanjo emphasized that with modern farming equipment now available, the potential impact of such agricultural initiatives is even greater. He stressed that Nigeria must embrace mechanized farming to improve food production, warning that a nation unable to feed itself is “sitting on a time bomb.”
The former President urged other state governors to follow Niger State’s lead in agricultural development, underscoring the importance of self-sufficiency in food production. He also encouraged Niger State to continue investing in agriculture and to explore modern farming methods to enhance existing practices.
Obasanjo expressed his intention to visit Niger State with his team to learn from the state’s agricultural progress and to exchange ideas that could further enhance his own agricultural projects. He also advised Nigerians to invest in soilless farming, cautioning that with the current rate of land use, the country could soon face a shortage of arable land. He stressed that innovative farming techniques are essential to sustaining Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
The visit also provided the Niger State delegation with an opportunity to tour a cutting-edge soilless farm, where young Nigerlites are being trained in innovative agricultural techniques for eventual implementation in Niger State. The Niger State government remains committed to advancing agriculture and will continue to seek and implement innovative solutions to ensure food security for both the state and the nation.
